Division of Library Services

Avoid Library Fines

NOTE: Students enrolled through the Ontario (Burlington) Campus, please contact your Campus Librarian for details of the Loans Policy applicable to you.

The CSU Library has a fines policy for overdue items. This is to encourage borrowers to return items on time, allowing us to keep library materials in circulation and available to all borrowers.

• Library Policy on late returns and fines
• Tips for avoiding fines
• What to do if you have an overdue item

Library Policy on late returns and fines

• Items are due back in the library by the due date. This is noted on the date due slip that you receive with the loaned items.
  
• Notices (reminder and overdue) are sent as a courtesy only. These notices are not generated at times when the library is closed for extended periods such as the Christmas/New year break. Students should not rely on these notices, it is your responsibility to return library materials by the Due Date.
  
• Overdue fine rates
  • Standard loan items: $0.50 per item per day
  • Short Loans (2 day loan collection): $5.00 per item per day
  • 2 hour loan Reserve items: $10.00 per item per day
  Overdue fines continue to increase until the item is returned. The maximum overdue fine is $30.00 per item.
  
• Recalled items not returned by the nominated date incur an additional fine of $5.00 per item per day, to a maximum of $100.00 per item.
  
• A Bill for Replacement (BFR) of $85.00, or the actual replacement cost plus $10 administration charge, is sent when items are overdue for 60 days.
  
• If the item is returned, the BFR amount is waived but the borrower will still have to pay overdue fines for that item.
  
• You are not able to borrow library material until all overdue items are returned and fines paid.

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Tips for Avoiding Fines

• Keep the University informed of any change of address. The library updates your borrowing record from the University system.
  
• Courtesy (sent the day before an item is due) and Overdue notices are sent to your email address.
  
• Take note of the due date on your date due slip. Write a reminder in a prominent place for yourself, eg. in your diary or personal organiser, on your pinboard, on the fridge, etc.
  
• Keep track of your loans and requests by signing-in to the CSU Catalogue by selecting My library record, and checking your loans.
  
• Renew your loans on or before the due date in person, by phone or via the CSU Catalogue.
  
• Don't ask others to return items for you (even those you think you know well)
  
• Collect parcels promptly from Post Office (DE Students)
  
• Contact us immediately if a parcel arrives late (DE Students)

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What to do if you have an overdue item.

• Once an item becomes overdue, you cannot renew it.
• If possible, return the item immediately; in person to any campus library.
• Be aware that fines will continue to increase until the item reaches the library and has been discharged.
• If you are away from the campus, items may be posted back to one of the campus addresses
• If you can visit a library in person within 2-3 days, it would be preferable to keep the item until then, saving you postage costs and ensuring a guaranteed delivery time. Express Post delivery is available for all of the towns where CSU is located but delivery time is not guaranteed.
• Personal problems such as illness can sometimes prevent a borrower from renewing or returning items on time. If this happens to you contact Access Services staff at your campus and request special consideration. You may be required to provide documentary evidence such as a medical certificate.

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